Collingtree pair win Matchplay Championship

Players gather on the first tee of the els course

Andy Castell tees off in the final round

Paul Fell (right) and Joanne Beddows with John Woosey

Northampton golfers, Andrew Billson and Andy Castell who play at the former European tour venue at Collingtree Park are the latest winners of the JRW Group's Matchplay Pairs championship.

They won the title at The Els Club in Dubai after a fearless display over the back nine to overturn a one-shot deficit with four holes to play behind overnight leaders Chris Scott-Douglas and Mike Ankers.

Wrexham players Paul Fell (Clays Golf Centre) and Joanne Beddows (Caldy) claimed the mixed pairs by five shots from Mike Perry and Samantha Hill adding 43 betterball stableford points to their second round 78 total.

“If you’re an amateur golfer and you don’t pay just £25 to enter this tournament you must be mad, " said Billson. "It has been a fantastic experience to come over to Dubai and compete in the final.  Everything is so well run it’s like playing in a professional tournament

He added: "We got off to a slow, nervous start in the last round, but we really got it going around the turn making three straight birdies from the seventh hole. My partner hit it in the hazard on 15 but amazingly the ball was playable and he got it greenside chipped in for birdie and earned us four points. That was the turning point."


More than 30 golfers enjoyed luxurious accommodation at the Marriott Dubai Harbour Hotel as well as complimentary flights to Dubai and four rounds of golf at the world-renowned Els Club, designed by the former World No.1. 

Said John Woosey, managing director of the JRW Group commented: “It has been a fantastic final and the tournament has been an overwhelming success; we couldn’t be happier so a big thanks to our spneosrs for their support.”

“It’s been a pleasure having the Matchplay Championships here at The Els Club this week,” commented Chris Brown, General Manager, The Els Club, Dubai. “The course is in great shape at the moment and hopefully the players have had fun playing on a championship calibre golf course. We’re looking forward to hosting the tournament again next year.”

Entries are already open for next year’s championship which will also feature a singles event. are now open. For more details visit www.matchplaychampionship.co.uk